As Elon University’s women’s track and field team continues its season, redshirt junior Katie Blount is leaning on consistency, community and mental toughness while continuing to add to her record-breaking resume.
She has been named the All-Coastal Athletic Association outdoor runner in 2023 and 2024 as well as breaking Elon University’s 5k and 6k records this year in cross country.
Blount said it being a college athlete is about drive. She said she thinks if an athlete commits and puts their mind to it then they can excel in any sport.
“It just takes a lot of passion for the sport that you’re in,” Blount said.
Blount said running takes a lot of hard work, dedication and consistency.
“I think with running there is not as much compared to other sports and it’s not as difficult as a lot of the other sports,” Blount said.
Elon assistant track and field coach Mark Rinker said that while track is not as technical or difficult as other sports may be, athletes still need a positive mindset or mentality.
He later said athletes have to have confidence in themselves and the ability to put themselves through a lot of work, from workouts to races.
Rinker said track is more defined by mentality than technique.
“I use the motivation from my teammates, family members and anyone who supports me with my races,” Blount said.
Blount said they have a really good community of people who support them in their races as well as people who work with them to train better and achieve their goals. An aspect of community is important to find her drive.
Now that they are closing in on the last several races, she said she has some expectations for the upcoming season.
“The goals are just to kind of stay focused on improvement.” Blount said. “Like not getting caught up in all of the different little things that you can worry about in running.”
She said she thinks the reason why she was able to perform at this high level and continue to break new records is because she kept her head down and just focused on herself as well as staying consistent with running.
Rinker said the team wants to be the same people on race days as they are in workouts — the same amount of effort into running each day.